Say Thank You!

In the last few months I’ve had a lot of things that should work, just quit working on me. Electronic devices, my car, my laptop, and more. It wasn’t until last month that I even paid attention to the fact that practically every “thing” I depend on to live my life was no longer dependable. In all honesty the main reason I even took notice then was because the last few things I’ve had to replace were pretty pricey.

So for those of you who know me, you know that I’m not afraid to respectfully ask God questions, and I often believe he answers them. So, last week I asked “Lord, why is all my stuff breaking down on me?” and his response put me in my place and reassured me all at the same time. He said, “You’re welcome.” It was as if God was saying “you aren’t lacking anything and you’re worrying about the wrong stuff”. So of course, that shut me up.

Then I started asking myself questions. What’s so wrong with an upgrade? Why should I be upset that I no longer have my old used up stuff especially when it has been replaced? Could I really not think of anything better to ask God about?

Sometimes we get so focused on what we think we don’t have, that we forget to be appreciative for all of our blessings. So what you had that house for years, do you have somewhere to sleep now? So what that relationship didn’t work out, the same way you met that one you can meet another one (why reminisce on something that didn’t work out anyway?). At the end of the day, we have to remember to be thankful for all things – highs and lows; good and bad; expected and unexpected. We must also remember that God has called us to do His work, not collect His things or worry about that which we can’t control. Shift your focus, count your blessings, and be true to the important work that God intends for you to do.

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Yes!!! Love it!!! I try to think about this everyday. Especially when my car was in the shop for 4 months. I was so determined to not have to depend on people to get me from point A to point B so I knew I had to depend on God. Everything I needed and everywhere I needed to be was accessible to me within a reasonable distance and at a reasonable price. That and among other things, I have learned to be thankful regardless. Below is something I try to read every day:

“Because we were created in Jehovah’s image, we have thinking ability and practical wisdom, allowing us to analyze our problems and take positive action whenever possible. Recognize that certain things are simply beyond our control. Agonizing over such matters may lead to added frustration and rob us of the many joys associated with true worship. After taking reasonable measures to resolve a problem, it is best to move on and focus on more productive endeavors.”